Adult & Senior Eye Exams | Pickering

Take Steps to Preserve Your Eyesight

Eye examinations are an essential part of health care. Just like regular physical exams, having your eyes assessed by a professional can pinpoint early signs of eye disease that may have not otherwise been visible. Plus, catching eye diseases in the early stages can prevent significant vision loss and keep your eyes healthy.

At Leet Meldrew, we put your needs first. It’s crucial that you feel comfortable and cared for, so we take the time to get to know you personally and address any concerns you might have.

What Our Eye Exams Entail

Eye exams involve a series of tests to evaluate your visual system and how well it’s functioning. If we detect signs of an underlying problem, we’ll bring it to your attention and may recommend further testing, like a diabetic eye exam.

All of our exams begin with an in-depth discussion of your current vision and general health. We’ll ask about your family medical history, any medication you take, and if you currently wear corrective lenses. If you have any specific concerns you’d like to address, you can bring them up at this time.

Visual Acuity

Every eye exam includes a visual acuity test. Typically, we’ll get you to read letters off a chart, called a Snellen chart, which has various sizes of letters that give us an idea of how strong your vision is at various distances.

If you need corrective lenses, like glasses or contact lenses, we’ll use a phoropter to determine what lens power is necessary to give you clear vision.

Your Eye & How It Moves

Once we’ve evaluated your current vision, we’ll take a closer look at your eye’s external functions. Our doctors will use an ophthalmoscope to shine a bright light into each eye to assess how your pupil reacts to it. We’ll also examine your eyelids, cornea, iris, and lens for signs of cataracts, scars, or scratches.

We’ll then perform an ocular motility test to see how well your eyes move. This test will show us if your eyes are aligned and working together properly.

The Inside of Your Eye

When we’re examining your eyes, we have the chance to see the internal functions of your eye up close. Often, eye diseases that affect your vision don’t have outwardly visible symptoms in the early stages, so having our doctors take a closer look is vital.

Your doctor will use an ophthalmoscope to shine a light into your eye to get a better look at the retina and optic nerve.

Depending on your situation, we may want to perform a dilated eye exam, in which case we’ll give you special eye drops that dilate your pupil. Dilating your pupil allows us to get a better view of the back of your eye. We’ll always tell you ahead of time if we plan to dilate your pupils so you can arrange a ride home from your appointment.

When Should I Get My Eyes Examined?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a specific examination schedule for all ages. However, at Leet Meldrew, we recommend visiting us at least once a year for a comprehensive eye exam so we can adequately monitor your ocular health for any changes.

According to the CAO, adults between the ages of 20 and 30 should see their optometrist every 2 to 3 years. Adults between the ages of 40 and 64 should have an eye exam every 2 years, and adults over 65 annually.

If you’re considered “at risk,” we may recommend a more frequent exam schedule, but we’ll discuss this at the time of your appointment. If you have any questions related to your ocular health, we’d be happy to answer them! Please give us a call any time during office hours, and we’ll get you the answers you need.